Marian Smith

Marian “Sis” Prattis Dexter Smith, age 76 of Bridgeville, Delaware, died peacefully at her home on Monday, December 19, 2016, after a long struggle with cancer. Marian was born on Thursday, July 25, 1940 in Chester, Pennsylvania, the daughter of the late Lillie L. Prattis and William Russell Prattis. She was the loving sister to three siblings; the late Louise Smith, Mildred Weal and Charles Cephas. In addition to her parents and siblings, she was preceded in death by her husband, Daniel Smith, Jr., whom she affectionately referred to as “Hun”. They were married for 23 years and separated by death, four days short of the one-year anniversary of Daniel’s passing. Marian’s elementary education was obtained at Phillis Wheatley School in Bridgeville, Delaware. Marian attended school at William C. Jason Comprehensive High School, Georgetown, Delaware and completed the eleventh grade. She later went on to complete her education and graduated from Delaware Technical & Community College, Georgetown, Delaware. Marian retired from Nanticoke Memorial Hospital in Seaford, Delaware. Marian loved the Lord and was a dedicated member of Mt. Calvary United Methodist Church, Bridgeville, Delaware. She always had a praise in her mouth, encouraging words for the youth and a testimony to share with all that would hear. She lived out her faith by opening the doors of her home to numerous foster children for more than 20 years, many of whom are here today to celebrate her life and the opportunities she provided them. Marian enjoyed traveling and every time her children traveled, Marian somehow ended up in the car, plane or cruise ship. If you ever stopped by to visit her between 11:00 am - 1:30 pm you knew what you were in store for (The Price is Right & The Young & Restless) so you had to get to the point quickly. If you couldn’t catch her at home, you would find her at the Seaford Walmart- always with a smile, a hug and a word of encouragement. Marian leaves to cherish her memory, two daughters, Vera Smack of Bridgeville, Delaware and Millie Jones of Camden, Delaware; three sons, Louis Dexter, Jr. (Merlita) of Seaford, Delaware, Bryan Dexter (Jennifer) of Rockton, Illinois, Ty Dexter (Inez) of Havre de Grace, Maryland and one stepson, Lloyd Smith (Patricia) of Hurlock, Maryland. Marian also held a special place in her heart for her nephew, William (Billy) Allen. Marian served as a surrogate mother to several young women, two of whom were very special to her, Paula Wayman and Ellie Collins as well as a special young man, Curtis Hinds. Marian also leaves 23 grandchildren; Michael Smack, Vonda Smack-Dubose, Terrance Banks, Jabrea Banks, Raven Dexter, Christopher Cannon, Tremond Conway, Louis Dexter, III, Stephanie Dexter, Latrease Griffin, Latoya Harris (Darryn), Bryan Horsey, Dante’ Howard, Vanessa McMullen, Tamara Robinson, Donald Neal, Emmanuel Neal, Antonio Smith, Richard Smith, and Sarah Whelan; 30 great grandchildren; three brothers-in-law, Joseph Smith (Pamela) of Durham, North Carolina, William Smith of Easton, Maryland, and Bruce Smith of Salisbury, Maryland; three sisters-in-law, Clara Jones (Jerry) of Federalsburg, Maryland, Mary Etta Smith and Mabel Smith of Easton, Maryland and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Sorrowfully submitted, The Family To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Marian Smith, please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.

Marian Smith

July 25, 1940 - December 19, 2016